Strong spirits: simplify!

Does life ever seem way too crazy? Too many plans, too much stuff, too much to do? The spiritual discipline of simplicity is God's answer to a life that seems out of control. It works! but it isn't easy...

Jesus is a model of the simple life: no home, few clothes, no calendar, no spouse, no kids, no pets- a vagabond rabbi, living on the land. I don't think most of us could or would choose to live like that- nor need we! But if we desire and determine to have a simpler life, we can. Ironically perhaps, the less we have, the more we can embrace the fullness of life.

Simplicity means less clutter, less stuff, more focus, more flexibility. It means letting go of things, of schedules, of trying so hard, and instead trusting God with everything. After all, it's all his anyway.

"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it." King David (Psalm 24:1)

"But seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all this will be yours as well." Jesus to his followers (Matthew 6:33)

"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." David again (Psalm 37:4)

Try the simple way. It's the path to the abundant life.

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - to see them all, subscribe to our daily email.

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